Treasure These Things

I remember the moment well. We'd launched our two oldest children off to university and got quite used to life at home with just our youngest. Then, through a series of circumstances, we found ourselves with a full house again. More mouths to feed, extra schedules to balance, and car-pooling to figure out. Talk about a drastic change!

As I read my Bible one morning, this verse jumped out at me. “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51).

I bowed my head in contriteness. “Lord, this is no accident. You knew these precious people would all be back under our roof again for this period of time. I need to see this time as a gift from you and treasure the chaos, the full sink, the overflowing laundry room, and yes, even sharing my car again.”

Years have passed since those few months when we were once again all together under one roof. Our children are married with children of their own, but the lessons learned have remained. I am often reminded to treasure these things, whatever that looks like in my current season of life, and to be thankful that my Heavenly Father has seen fit to allow all of this in my life. By his Spirit, I will have the strength to carry on regardless of what the days hold.

How about you? Whether you are busy at work, take care of aging parents, or have a full house with children and grandchildren, God is more than able to help you cope. Treasure these things and trust him for the strength you need each day.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all the things that you have allowed to be in my life right now — people, responsibilities, challenges, everything. Help me to daily take the time to treasure these things, knowing that they are from you and that you will give me the grace and strength to make it through, one day at a time, by the power of your Holy Spirit at work in me. Amen.

Go Deeper — Do you feel yourself sinking under the weight of the responsibilities in your life? Take the time today to thank God for the things he has entrusted to you. Treasure them, trusting the Holy Spirit to empower you as you seek to glorify God in all he is calling you to do right now.